Start at the iliac crest (the top of your hipbone that you can feel like a shelf on the side of your body). From this level on your spine, measure to the C7 vertebrae, the knobby bone at the base of your neck when you put your head down. Make sure to keep your back straight while having the measurement taken.

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Description

The customizable pack that does it all.

The Osprey Aether 70 Backpack really is the pack that does it all from gear-heavy weekend backpacking trips and ski tours to mountain-climbing excursions. Built with outstanding load-carrying comfort, the Aether 70 features a new IsoForm CM hip-belt that adds stiffness and padding for better performance with heavy loads without increasing the Aether's weight.

Here's what others have to say...

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Easy to use, easy to store

This bag is probably the best all-round backpackig backpack thats available. I bought this a couple of months ago after I spent a couple weeks in The Rockies using a 70 liter Kelty pack. The benefits from having a larger bag came with very few drawbacks so I imediately started to search for a bag around 70 Liters. Ive used this pack for several multi-day excursions in locations like the rockies, the AT and Northern Michigan and I've been very impressed. My favorite part about this bag is that it comes packed very small, and is very easy to store because the suspension belt is removable. Having the ability to keep this safe in my dorm locked in a small trunk with all my other gear is impressive. I just wish that Osprey provided a rain fly that came with this like they do with European purchases.

Comment on Nolan S.'s review »

in the description it says "choose between S, M, L, and XL sizes depending on trip length and the amount of gear you carry" so does that mean that the backpack size is not dependent on the wearers height/weight but instead the size is in regards to the amount of gear it can hold? i'm 6'0 180 with size 32 legs and am having trouble deciding between a L or XL without measuring my back or trying one on personally.. ??

If you look at the size chart (located directly above the spot where you choose the size) you will be able to determine the right size for your body type. If you are borderline L of XL the " trip length and the amount of gear you carry" might affect whether or not you choose the L or XL

yes i see the size chart but i'm not able to measure myself or visit a store at the present moment so after reading the description it made me wonder if the sizing is more related to the amount of storage space or if the size is mainly related to fit.

Have an answer for therbs801?

Features Galore

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

If you are looking for a specific feature in a backapacking backpack, there is a good chance that the Aether has it! Particularly I like what they did with the hydration sleeve, putting it on the outside of the pack in the backpanel, giving you more room in the pack overall! The heat moldable hip belt is also incredibly nice, ensuring you get the perfect fit for those long journeys. Further, the sleeping bag compartment and the J-zipper allow easy access to anything in your bag. I have only had a chance to use this for climbing, but it fit my 70m rope, 15 draws, shoes and harness with plenty of room to spare! In my opinion, a serious must have for your next backpack!

Hey Daniel, Leta here with Osprey. I completely agree! I have the women's Ariel 65 (women's version of the Aether 70), and i know it will always be my go to. Osprey has created a new series called the Atmos and Aura AG, and really, the Ariel still wins my vote, hands down. Thanks for the review, Leta

Comment on Daniel Goodman's review »

Get it.

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

Best backpack around for general use. I've taken it mountaineering with heavy loads, ultralight trekking on the Appalachian trail, and traveled with it. Still going strong with little signs of wear. All the features might seem like too much, but they are really amazing. I'm constantly trekking and thinking, "I wish my backpack had a strap/hook/place for/compartment for..(insert purpose).." and almost every time..oh wait! It does have that feature!

Comment on Hayes F.'s review »

My pack-crush...

Tried several packs and went with this one. Zero regrets. Had it out snow-camping, and long and short backpacking trips. Awesome pack. Carries the weight exceptionally, breathes well, durable. (Only negative is it doesn't come with a rain cover. )

Comment on theingleba1964778's review »

Pictures true to actual color?

I picked up this bad boy in midnight blue and I love it! Our picture makes it look almost black, but once I had it in person I noticed the color is more of a dark navy. Not as dark as pictured above. Hoping to get some rad action shots soon to give a better example of what I'm talking about. If you have any questions on this guy, feel free to email me directly at skdavis@backcountry.com.

Comment on Skylar Davis's review »

Hi, I am thinking about this back pack or Arial 65. I checked the size of the backpack but not sure which size would be more comfortable for me between S and M size. My height is 5'5, and weight is 147 pounds. My body type is slim but my chest is little bit thicker than ab since I used to work out. Please help me. Jun

You should measure your back to determine your torso length. Have a friend use a tape measure from the bony part that protrudes out right under your neck (put your head toward your chest so it's more obvious) down your spine to the iliac crest (flat shelf bone at your hips above your butt). Then compare however many inches that is to the size chart. You're chest is not a factor because there is an adjustable sternum strap.

Backpacking Yosemite Veterans Day weekend.

Comment on rob695575248's photo »

bomb-proof pack!

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

I got my Osprey Aether 70 back in 2007 and have used it for almost every trip I've gone on until about a year ago when I went with something slightly lighter and still find myself picking up the Aether first. This is my "go-to pack" for sure, I have been flat out abusive to this thing and it has delivered! The suspension system, although heavy, can carry anything you throw at it! I've loaded this pack to the rafters and every time is comfy and balanced. I would highly recommend this pack to anyone looking for a solid pack that can handle abuse and won't quit! I would buy another if this one was stolen or damaged beyond repair.

Comment on Tucker Wells's review »

Couldnt Ask for more

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

Great pack. Light, durable "convenient" and comfy.

Osprey knows what they are doing plane and simple. I have used it for overnights and extended Days, alike. My one gripe is that there aren't a bunch of "organizer" pockets.....Then again, like I said above, its a very "convenient" pack. The more pockets you have the more junk you stuff in them.....not always a good thing.

Comment on jibking's review »

Osprey does it again

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

I've used this pack on several trips over the course of the summer. From weekend trips to 8 day getaways, this pack absolutely nails it. Super light yet incredibly durable construction, great volume, and comfort all combined into one. I was able to carry all of my personal gear, food, stove/pot, tent and additional gear necessary to lead trips for 6+ days without any issue.

As with any pack, fit is half the battle. If you're unsure how to properly fit and adjust your pack, I'd suggest taking it to a local retailer for some assistance or using a friend's guidance.

I am 6'0, 175lb, and the medium fit me just fine. Osprey's size chart is accurate.

Comment on Tyson Purkey's review »

God-Like Pack.

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

Bought the Aether 70L(s) last year for my 10day camping trip up too Algonquin first time ever doing back country hiking. I was able to fit everything in this bag! it has an awesome sleeping bag compartment which i can also stuff a large Coleman pillow in there as well. I then put my clothes at the bottom of the pack including 2 shirts, Shorts, Hoodie, 2 socks, 2 boxers. I then would put my Therm-A-Rest Trail lite sleeping pad on top of that, which would be followed by my drysack full of food.(10days worth), i kept my rain gear on top coat+pants with some fuel in there as well. It has a handy strap on the top to keep everything secured and tight. The top part of the pack had bug spray, deodorant, toilet paper, first aid kit, map, light, and couple of other stuff all fit nicely (which can also be used as a day pack BONUS!). The bag can withstand a beating and is very durable it has many compression straps to make it fit properly and snug. Side pockets were good to hold my water bottle and my platypus. The hip belt is totally awesome great feel to it and doesn't dig into your hips,i kept a pocketknife, cliff bars, lighter, bug spray and bug net. I would recommend this bag to anyone who was interested in looking to buy a bag, its downright amazing, 3 of my friends also picked up the same bag Aether 70L and Ariel 55 they would say the same thing that i've stated about it. You get what you pay for and it's always worth it to spend that extra dollar on something that will make your camping life easier, no regrets hope this helped you on your purchase!

Comment on Brandon K.'s review »

Great pack

Used a couple of times and cannot believe how well the pack feels when you have a ton of gear in it and like that you can get a specific size so the pack fits perfectly to your body size.

I would recommend this pack to anyone who is getting into serious backpacking and needs a durable pack that is well built but also has lifetime warranty which proves the company stands behind what they are selling.

Have an answer for Reid Pitman?

I'm considering to get a backpack for all...

I'm considering to get a backpack for all my camping and overseas trips (I live in Singapore), and I have plans to Central / South America for about 3-6 months and maybe some winter camping in Switzerland. Which do you think is a good option of a backpack - the Osprey Aether 70 or 85, the Tatonka Escape 60, or the Northface Terra 65? So far it's been 10 over years since I last backpacked, I'm totally a novice to backpacking gear :). BTW, I'm 5' 4", about 165lbs (yes, a considerably small sized for Asian :)). Thanks for the info!

If you are currently in the states heres what I would do. I would order this bag in both sizes the 70 and 60 to see if your stuff fits in there. The 60 is smaller of course but, if you can fit everything in a smaller bag its going to be a lot easier for you, especially travelling. I would stay with the Aether though, great pack and Osprey is an awesome back pack manufacturer.

Backpacking in Harriman

Comment on Cjammet's photo »

Superdope.

This is my first full-on backpacking pack. I'm really impressed with the versatility, ergonomics, and thoughtful features. It's rugged yet comfortable, and it's been a pleasure to hike and camp with.

I have fit the following in there at once with ease: My Marmot Earlylight 2p tent, a sleeping back, a thermarest prolite 4, MSR whisperlite, fuel, and a bunch more. I can also easily fit the larger Bearvault internally.

The hydration integration is clutch, as is the versatility of the top compartment (can be used as a hip pack).

My only gripe is I wish they included an integrated rain fly like they did on my escapist backpack. It's very weird that it's not included.